AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is celebrating July 31 as National Intern Day by encouraging students and employers to explore work-based learning opportunities. Programs like the Texas Internship Challenge and the Texas Intern Network showcase how internships help people grow professionally and contribute to a stronger workforce.  

• The Texas Internship Challenge is a Tri-Agency Initiative led by TWC, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), and Texas Education Agency (TEA). This is a free statewide site where Texas employers can post internships and students can apply for them. 

• Texas Intern Network connects interns and Texas employers across the state through virtual and in-person events. 

“Internships are a powerful tool for workforce development in the Lone Star State,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “Internships allow students to gain experience, and employers to gain access to talented future workers.”

Today, TWC, Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas, and Dallas College co-hosted the Ready, Set, Hired! National Intern Day Conference at Dallas College – Cedar Valley. As part of the Texas Intern Network conference series, the event offered interns networking opportunities and resources for career advancement. The conference series will continue with events throughout the state to encourage more connections between interns and employers.

“An internship in Texas is a launchpad for a fulfilling career, not just a summer job,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “Through programs like the Texas Internship Challenge and the Texas Intern Network, students can discover their passions, gain invaluable real-world experience, and develop the skills that Texas employers are seeking. We encourage both students and businesses to connect with these resources and build a stronger future for our state's workforce.”

TWC also partners with THECB to reimburse employers that offer paid internships for Texas college students through Texas Working Off-Campus: Reinforcing Knowledge and Skills Internship Program (TXWORKS). Employers that hire eligible students through TXWORKS will be reimbursed a portion of the hourly wages for each intern at the completion of the internship period.

“The Texas Workforce Commission recognizes that internships aren't just beneficial for students, they're also a powerful talent pipeline for Texas businesses,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “By providing hands-on learning opportunities, employers can actively shape the skills and experience of future employees.”

View the Texas Intern Network webpage to see photos from past events and a calendar of upcoming events.